Percutaneous insertion of a permanent transvenous pacemaker electrode through the subclavian vein

Insertion of transvenous permanent pacemaker leads through the subclavian vein is relatively safe and simple. This procedure was performed in 29 patients. The only serious complication was dislocation of the lead in eight patients. With this technique the endocardial lead can be positioned quite readily in the right ventricle. Use of the technique should be considered whenever the cephalic vein cannot be located readily or is too small to permit placement of an endocardial lead.